Sewing patterns are an essential part of the sewing journey. Commercial patterns come in a large, neat, uncut pieces. There may be numerous sizing on them, too.

Now, if we cut the pattern up in say, size 12. The pattern remains size 12 forever, with maybe some space for making it 1 inch larger. Making it smaller is not an issue, but making it in a bigger size will make things difficult. We may even need to get a new pattern.

Here is a simple little trick for maintaining your sewing patterns in their original, uncut condition. Use a large piece of tracing sheet similar to baking sheets. Place the original pattern on a large, flat surface. Lay the tracing sheet on top to trace the patterns with a sharp pencil. You may need rulers or French curves to help you here.

Trace the pattern in the size that you want. Add in all the pattern markings. Measure out your seam allowances and add that in. If you need to do any alterations, you can also do it on the tracing paper. After doing this, compare the traced pattern with the original and make sure all pattern markings are transferred correctly.

Next, cut out the traced sewing pattern for use in your sewing project. Be sure to label them so that you will know what size the pattern is and what alterations you have made to it.

Please also be mindful of copyright issues. Most commercial patterns allow use only for you yourself. This little trick is only suggested so that you can use this pattern for yourself, no matter how your own sizing changes over time.
 

Photos courtesy of PaisleyPath from Artfire and PatternMania from Artfire

About the author: Diana is the owner and pattern designer of djstoreroom. She is a work-from-home-mommy who design, sew, pen and self-publish her own pdf sewing patterns and tutorials from her home studio in sunny Singapore. She has 2 online stores at etsy which stocks only pdf products and artfire which stocks pdf products, handmade products and vintage supplies. She love to write in her blog about herself, her business and more...

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